Public Perceptions of the Ethics of Political Leadership. November 5, 2014

Public Perceptions of the Ethics of Political Leadership November 5, 2014

Introduction The objectives of this study were to understand: Canadians trust in their municipal, provincial and federal politicians to act ethically; Whether Canadians believe politics corrupts and unethical political behaviour is inevitable; Which unethical behaviours Canadians believe to be the most prevalent amongst their elected officials; Which potential unethical behaviours are the most relevant to whether a politician is fit for their job; How Canadians prefer to police the behaviour of politicians; Under what conditions Canadians would forgive ethical lapses; and Canadians varied responses to political scandals throughout Canada s history. 2

Methodology The survey was conducted among a nationally representative sample of n=1039 Canadians between October 17-22, 2014 using an online panel. An additional 200 cases were collected in the Greater Toronto Area for a total sample of n=407 in the GTA. This was done to achieve greater reliability when making conclusions about the GTA. The margin of error for a probability-based random sample of the same size is +/- 3.1% nationally and +/-4.86% in the GTA. Other regions have larger margins of error. 3

Key Findings Canadians are profoundly dissatisfied with the ethical standards and behaviour of politicians. Half of Canadians say that they do not trust politicians to behave ethically in their roles, compared with only 13% who say they do. They are ranked well below judges, police officers, public servants, journalists, business CEOs and union leaders. Canadians are more critical of the ethical behaviour of politicians in general than with specific types of politicians. And they are more critical of those in an executive role such as leaders of parties, Mayors, Premiers, than they are with their local representatives including MPs, MPPs, MLAs, and Councillors. Most believe politicians regularly engage in a wide array of questionable and unethical activities in office. And many Canadians believe that if someone is unethical in their personal life it is very relevant to whether they are fit for office. 4

Key Findings Of the many high-profile scandals in Canada s history, respondents were most likely to rate the details of the sponsorship scandal and Pacific scandal as the most serious breaches of trust and ethics. Facts relating to Ontario s gas plant scandal and Senator Duffy s expense claims were seen as slightly lesser breaches. Least concerning of those tested were addiction issues for serving politician as Rob Ford. What the data signals is not just a serious concern about politicians but some of the root causes of why voters will not vote or will vote against their interests and for other parties. The data puts politicians on notice that they face a very skeptical and concerned electorate and have much work to do to establish trust. 5

Trusting in their Ethics Just half of Canadians trust politicians to behave ethically in their jobs Politicians and lobbyists are the least trusted to behave ethically of the ten jobs tested. Doctors, judges and police officers are the professions most trusted to behave ethically with more than 8 out of 10 Canadians trusting they will behave ethically. 6

Levels of Trust In general, how much do you trust members of the following professions to behave ethically in their roles - that is, to live up to both public and professional standards in fulfilling their duties? (Scale of 1-9) Doctors Judges Police Officers Public Servants Journalists Business CEOs Union Leaders Political Staff Politicians Lobbyists 78% 19% 3% 65% 25% 8% 2% 60% 31% 8% 36% 48% 13% 3% 33% 48% 17% 2% 22% 51% 25% 2% 20% 44% 33% 3% 16% 42% 40% 3% 13% 36% 50% 2% 9% 36% 47% 8% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Trust (7-9) Moderately Trust (4-6) Do not trust (1-3) Don't Know 7

Level of Trust: Politicians In general, how much do you trust members of the following professions to behave ethically in their roles - that is, to live up to both public and professional standards in fulfilling their duties? (Scale of 1-9) [Politicians] Total 13% 36% 50% 2% GTA Outside GTA 7% 7% 42% 36% 50% 57% 2% BC Prairies Quebec Maritimes 8% 9% 28% 10% 29% 53% 51% 42% 49% 2% 1% 4% <$50k $50k-$75k $75k-$100k $100k-$150k >$150k 16% 17% 10% 11% 6% 35% 37% 35% 39% 41% 47% 52% 53% 54% 4% 1% 1% 1% 1% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Trust (7-9) Moderately Trust (4-6) Do not trust (1-3) Don't Know 8

Canada v. Others A majority of Canadians believe that Canada has higher ethical standards for politicians than most countries. And a majority agree that Canada s politicians are more ethical than those in the United States or elsewhere in the world. 9

International Politicians & Ethics Do you agree or disagree with the following statements? Compared to the rest of the world, Canada has a high standard of ethics in politics. 6% 51% 27% 6% 11% Canadian politicians are more ethical than those in the US. 8% 42% 26% 8% 17% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Strongly agree Somewhat agree Somewhat disagree Strongly disagree 10

Contextualizing Politicians Interestingly, when asked about their satisfaction with the ethical behaviour of politicians at the municipal, provincial and federal level, Canadians are more likely to be satisfied with the ethics of all three levels of politicians than they are to trust the generic politician to act ethically. And satisfaction with ethics is highest with the most local politician. Federal MPs and provincial politicians are the next highest ranked, followed by Senators. 11

Satisfaction: Politicians Thinking just about politicians, how satisfied are you with the ethical behaviour of..? (Scale of 1-9) Municipal politicians 22% 45% 31% 3% Federal Members of Parliament 14% 47% 36% 3% Provincial politicians 14% 44% 39% 3% Senators 9% 35% 49% 6% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Satisfied (7-9) Moderately Satisfied (4-6) Not Satisfied (1-3) Don't Know 12

GTA - Municipal Politicians As is the case with all levels of politicians, more Canadians are dissatisfied with the ethical behaviour of municipal politicians (31%) than are satisfied (22%). Residents of the GTA are particularly unlikely to be satisfied with the ethical behaviour of municipal politicians with just 12% of those living in the GTA satisfied compared to 23% of residents in the rest of the province. 13

Satisfaction: Municipal Politicians Thinking just about politicians, how satisfied are you with the ethical behaviour of..? (Scale of 1-9) [Municipal Politicians] Total 22% 45% 31% 3% GTA Outside GTA 12% 23% 49% 40% 39% 33% 5% BC Prairies Quebec Maritimes 23% 27% 25% 28% 52% 43% 41% 46% 23% 27% 31% 23% 2% 4% 3% 3% 18-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 >65 13% 18% 23% 19% 33% 46% 41% 47% 41% 46% 33% 34% 33% 26% 4% 3% 2% 1% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Satisfied (7-9) Moderately Satisfied (4-6) Moderately Satisfied (1-3) Don't Know 14

Satisfaction: Politicians The more local a politician, the more satisfied Canadians are with the ethics of their behaviour. Canadians are more divided about the ethical behaviour of politicians in an executive role such as leader of parties, Mayor, Premier than they are with representatives such as MPPs, MLAs, Councillors. Twice as many Canadians are dissatisfied with the ethics of Prime Minister Harper s behavior than are satisfied. 15

Satisfaction: Specific Politicians How satisfied are you with the ethical behaviour of the following individuals? (Scale of 1-9) Your Mayor Your local city councillor or alderman Your local MP Liberal Leader, Justin Trudeau NDP Leader, Tom Mulcair Your Premier Your rep. to the provincial/territorial legislature Green Party Leader, Elizabeth May Prime Minister Stephen Harper (QC only) Bloc Quebecois leader, Mario Beaulieu 31% 29% 26% 25% 24% 24% 24% 22% 16% 31% 26% 6% 40% 39% 37% 30% 33% 25% 19% 12% 19% 12% 28% 8% 24% 14% 33% 5% 20% 19% 23% 24% 41% 4% 36% 24% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Satisfied (7-9) Moderately Satisfied (4-6) Not Satisfied (1-3) Don't Know 16

Satisfaction: Municipal Politicians Residents of the GTA are significantly less satisfied than other Ontarians and residents of the rest of the country in the ethical behaviour of their mayor. However, residents of the GTA are no less satisfied than the rest of Ontarians with the ethical conduct of their municipal councillor. 17

Satisfaction: Your Mayor How satisfied are you with the ethical behaviour of the following individuals? (Scale of 1-9) [The Mayor of your municipality] Total 31% 26% 6% GTA 23% 31% 42% 4% Outside GTA 35% 36% 24% 5% BC 37% 17% 8% Prairies 42% 21% 31% 5% Quebec 50% 29% 16% 5% Maritimes 39% 31% 20% 11% Rural 42% 31% 22% 6% Suburban 36% 35% 22% 7% Urban 28% 30% 4% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Satisfied (7-9) Moderately Satisfied (4-6) Not Satisfied (1-3) Don't Know 18

Satisfaction: Your City Councillor/Alderman How satisfied are you with the ethical behaviour of the following individuals? (Scale of 1-9) [Your local city councillor or alderman] Total 31% 19% 12% GTA 27% 40% 22% 10% Outside GTA 23% 40% 33% 5% BC 26% 48% 16% 11% Prairies 32% 22% 9% Quebec 35% 32% 14% 10% Maritimes 37% 28% 23% 12% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Satisfied (7-9) Moderately Satisfied (4-6) Not Satisfied (1-3) Don't Know 19

Satisfaction: Federal Politicians At the general level, Canadians are more than twice as likely to be unsatisfied with the ethical conduct of MPs than satisfied. However, when it comes to their own MP, more Canadians are satisfied (29%) than not satisfied (19%) Seniors and those living in Quebec are the most likely to be satisfied. At the national level, the Prime Minister receives the lowest satisfaction score of any federal politician tested. In every region, across age groups and in each sized community, more people are dissatisfied than satisfied with his ethical performance. However, the older the Canadian and the smaller the community they live in, the more likely they are to be satisfied with Stephen Harper s ethical behaviour. 20

Satisfaction: Federal Politicians For both Tom Mulcair and Justin Trudeau, equal proportions of the population are satisfied as not satisfied with their ethical behaviour. However, for Mulcair this differs more between regions than it does for Trudeau. 45% of Quebecers are satisfied with the ethical behaviour of Tom Mulcair. No other federal leader receives as high of a score in any region. Justin Trudeau receives a more consistent positive evaluation of his ethical behaviour across age groups and regions. He receives the most negative evaluation in the prairies (37%) and rural centres (40%). 21

Satisfaction: Federal MPs Thinking just about politicians, how satisfied are you with the ethical behaviour of..? (Scale of 1-9) [Federal Members of Parliament] Total 14% 47% 36% 3% GTA 16% 48% 34% 3% Outside GTA 10% 46% 40% 4% 18-34 14% 47% 34% 6% 35-44 12% 47% 4% 45-54 11% 43% 44% 2% 55-64 13% 52% 35% >65 21% 46% 32% 1% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Satisfied (7-9) Moderately Satisfied (4-6) Not Satisfied (1-3) Don't Know 22

Satisfaction: Your Local MP How satisfied are you with the ethical behaviour of the following individuals? (Scale of 1-9) [Your Local MP] Total 29% 40% 19% 12% 18-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 >65 24% 24% 31% 28% 39% 17% 20% 43% 25% 8% 19% 12% 41% 20% 12% 43% 16% 2% BC 29% 44% 16% 11% Prairies 27% 42% 20% 11% Ontario 26% 42% 20% 11% Quebec 35% 33% 17% 15% Maritimes 25% 43% 24% 8% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Satisfied (7-9) Moderately Satisfied (4-6) Not Satisfied (1-3) Don't Know 23

Satisfaction: Stephen Harper How satisfied are you with the ethical behaviour of the following individuals? (Scale of 1-9) [Prime Minister and Leader of the Federal Conservative Party, Stephen Harper] Total 22% 33% 41% 4% 18-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 >65 17% 22% 23% 24% 27% 36% 33% 32% 28% 34% 43% 43% 46% 37% 8% 3% 2% 2% 2% BC Prairies Ontario Quebec Maritimes 24% 24% 26% 18% 10% 28% 33% 31% 34% 44% 33% 48% 52% 5% 5% 3% 3% 5% Rural Suburban Urban 23% 19% 28% 32% 34% 33% 45% 1% 5% 3% 0% 20% Satisfied (7-9) 40% 60% 80% 100% Moderately Satisfied (4-6) Not Satisfied (1-3) Don't Know 24

Satisfaction: Tom Mulcair How satisfied are you with the ethical behaviour of the following individuals? (Scale of 1-9) [Leader of the Federal NDP, Tom Mulcair] Total 25% 24% 14% 18-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 >65 23% 15% 24% 30% 32% 35% 43% 40% 39% 36% 20% 22% 26% 16% 22% 14% 24% 7% 28% 5% BC Prairies Ontario Quebec Maritimes 24% 12% 20% 17% 45% 36% 42% 43% 30% 24% 24% 31% 25% 16% 16% 15% 13% 9% 21% Rural Suburban Urban 19% 24% 28% 39% 37% 39% 30% 24% 21% 12% 16% 12% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Satisfied (7-9) Moderately Satisfied (4-6) Not Satisfied (1-3) Don't Know 25

Satisfaction: Justin Trudeau How satisfied are you with the ethical behaviour of the following individuals? (Scale of 1-9) [Leader of the Federal Liberal Party, Justin Trudeau] Total 26% 28% 8% 18-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 >65 20% 27% 24% 31% 31% 41% 45% 34% 29% 24% 28% 23% 33% 35% 15% 8% 8% 4% 6% BC Prairies Ontario Quebec Maritimes 23% 20% 28% 28% 30% 33% 49% 37% 34% 17% 37% 29% 27% 24% 12% 10% 6% 8% 13% Rural Suburban Urban 21% 24% 30% 34% 39% 40% 26% 24% 11% 5% 7% 0% 20% Satisfied (7-9) 40% 60% 80% 100% Moderately Satisfied (4-6) Not Satisfied (1-3) Don't Know 26

Satisfaction: Provincial Politicians Satisfaction with the ethical behaviour of provincial politicians is relatively constant across regions. When asked about their own representative, Canadians are relatively satisfied with just 24% very satisfied and 20% not satisfied at all. Seniors are far more likely to have an opinion and 40% feel positively. Evaluations of Premiers varies greatly across provinces. British Columbians have the most negative evaluation of their Premier 43% saying they are not satisfied. In Ontario, there is a sharp GTA v rest of province divide in satisfaction with Premier Wynne. 27

Satisfaction: Provincial Politicians Thinking just about politicians, how satisfied are you with the ethical behaviour of..? (Scale of 1-9) [provincial politicians] Total 14% 44% 39% 3% GTA Outside GTA 14% 11% 47% 41% 37% 44% 2% 4% BC Prairies Quebec Maritimes 15% 15% 16% 15% 47% 41% 44% 49% 36% 41% 37% 33% 2% 3% 3% 3% 18-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 >65 14% 11% 14% 12% 22% 47% 43% 41% 47% 44% 34% 44% 44% 40% 33% 6% 3% 1% 1% 1% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Satisfied (7-9) Moderately Satisfied (4-6) Not Satisfied (1-3) Don't Know 28

Satisfaction: Your Provincial Representative How satisfied are you with the ethical behaviour of the following individuals? (Scale of 1-9) [Your representative to the provincial or territorial Legislature] Total 24% 37% 20% 19% 18-34 16% 39% 16% 29% 35-44 19% 36% 27% 18% 45-54 27% 35% 19% 19% 55-64 21% 41% 24% 15% >65 40% 33% 18% 9% BC 24% 44% 17% 15% Prairies 27% 23% 12% Ontario 27% 37% 21% 16% Quebec 18% 33% 17% 32% Maritimes 20% 40% 26% 14% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Satisfied (7-9) Moderately Satisfied (4-6) Not Satisfied (1-3) Don't Know 29

Satisfaction: Your Premier How satisfied are you with the ethical behaviour of the following individuals? (Scale of 1-9) [The Premier of your province or territory] Total 24% 39% 33% 5% 18-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 >65 19% 18% 20% 25% 40% 43% 39% 44% 36% 30% 29% 40% 32% 37% 28% 10% 3% 5% 2% 2% GTA Outside GTA 26% 16% 37% 44% 33% 35% 3% 5% BC Prairies Quebec Maritimes 19% 26% 29% 21% 34% 39% 40% 36% 43% 29% 27% 35% 4% 7% 4% 8% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Satisfied (7-9) Moderately Satisfied (4-6) Not Satisfied (1-3) Don't Know 30

Frequency of Unethical Behaviour Most Canadians reject the ideas that: The media makes politicians seem more corrupt than they are and Most political scandals are made up by opposing parties trying to score political points. While three quarters of Canadians believe that politicians frequently break their promises, a majority also believe that politicians frequently misuse their power to benefit particular groups in society. More than half believe politicians make decisions to buy votes, benefit special interests or benefit friends and family. A sizeable minority of Canadians believe that politicians frequently use public monies for private gain. The only ethical offence tested which had a larger proportion Canadians believe it is infrequent than frequent is tampering with elections. 31

Portrayal of Scandals Do you agree or disagree with the following statements? The media makes politicians seem more corrupt than they are. 6% 34% 40% 12% 8% Most political scandals are made up by opposing parties trying to score political points. 5% 33% 39% 17% 6% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Strongly agree Somewhat agree Somewhat disagree Strongly disagree Don't know 32

Frequency of Unethical Behaviour How frequently do you think politicians do each of the following? (Scale of 1-9) Break election promises Act in the interest of industry or interest groups Spend tax dollars to "buy votes" Make policy decisions that benefit friends, family Misuse government powers to silence critics and Lie to Parliament, the media or the public Limit the media's access to elected officials or Use insider information for personal gain File false expense claims Use public money for personal gain Take bribes Tamper with elections 74% 56% 52% 51% 48% 47% 45% 43% 43% 39% 27% 35% 16% 33% 32% 31% 35% 36% 37% 37% 41% 27% 41% 20% 3% 4% 6% 6% 10% 7% 8% 6% 8% 7% 10% 6% 8% 9% 11% 9% 13% 7% 15% 6% 11% 10% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Frequently (7-9) Sometimes (4-6) Infrequently (1-3) Don't Know 33

Election Promises Do you agree or disagree with the following statements? The pressure to make big promises during a campaign contributes to unethical behaviour. 24% 53% 14% 5%5% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Strongly agree Somewhat disagree Somewhat agree Strongly disagree 34

What is Ethically Possible for Politics? Canadians do not believe that anyone wishing to go into politics is inherently corrupt. However, 63% agree that politics has the tendency to corrupt otherwise honest people. Canadians are divided on whether they believe that politics is by its nature a dirty game, so unethical behaviour is inevitable. In fact, Canadians are more likely to agree that the ethical problems in Canadian politics could be solved by electing better people. And Canadians roundly reject the notion that all politicians are the same. 35

Statements about Ethics Do you agree or disagree with the following statements? Politics has a tendency to corrupt otherwise honest people. 13% 50% 25% 6% 7% The ethical problems in Canadian politics could be solved by electing better people. 16% 44% 27% 5% 8% Politics by its very nature is a dirty game, so unethical behaviour is inevitable. 11% 39% 31% 15% 5% All politicians are the same. 6% 29% 39% 22% 4% Only unethical people go into politics. 2% 13% 42% 5% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Strongly agree Somewhat agree Somewhat disagree Strongly disagree 36

Ethics and Personal Behaviour Two thirds of Canadians accept that politicians are entitled to a private life assuming it doesn t violate the law. However, most Canadians (82%) also believe that a person who is dishonest in their private life is also untrustworthy in their professional role. Violations of the law such as a criminal charge while in office or convictions for fraud, domestic abuse, owing outstanding taxes, failure to pay child support or addiction issues are all considered relevant by a gross majority of Canadians to a politicians fitness for office. Just half of Canadians think that a conviction for driving under the influence is relevant. And one third think that marital infidelity is relevant to fitness for office. 37

Ethics and Personal Behaviour Do you agree or disagree with the following statements? A politician who is dishonest in his or her personal life cannot be trusted in their professional role. 45% 37% 12% 3% 4% What politicians do on their own time is their own business, as long as it isn't against the law and doesn't affect their work. 24% 44% 19% 10% 4% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Strongly agree Somewhat agree Somewhat disagree Strongly disagree 38

Ethics and Personal Behaviour How relevant are the following to whether or not a politician should be considered fit for office? (Scale of 1-9) Getting charged with a criminal offence while in office A past fraud conviction 86% 83% 9% 2% 12% 2% Owing outstanding taxes 77% 16% 5% A past conviction for domestic abuse 75% 18% 5% Addiction issues 71% 21% 5% Failing to pay child support 70% 20% 7% A past conviction for drunk driving 52% 31% 15% 3% Marital infidelities 33% 30% 34% 3% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Relevant (7-9) Moderately Relevant (4-6) Not Relevant (1-3) Don't Know 39

Political Considerations Canadians have very soft feelings about whether or not most politicians try their best to act in the public interest. 46% somewhat agree, 33% somewhat disagree Canadians are pretty clear that politicians put too much emphasis on reelection and party loyalty. And Canadians are pretty clear that politicians put too little emphasis on the public interest. 40

Acting in the Public Interest Do you agree or disagree with the following statements? Most politicians try their best to do what is in the public interest. 4% 46% 33% 12%5% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Strongly agree Somewhat disagree Somewhat agree Strongly disagree 41

Political Considerations Generally speaking, do you believe that most politicians put too much or too little emphasis on each of the following? (Scale of 1-9) Their desire for re-election 75% 20% 2% Party loyalty 54% 36% 4% 5% Their own political values 40% 43% 13% 5% The public interest 11% 45% 41% 3% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Too Much (7-9) Enough (4-6) Too Little (1-3) Don't Know 42

Consequences of Low Trust Political corruption has had different democratic consequences depending on age, education and wealth. Just one quarter of Canadians are party loyalists no matter what. 25% of Canadians under the age of 45 have given up on voting because of political corruption. This is just 15% for those aged over 45. Those with lower levels of education and lower levels of wealth are more likely to have dropped out of the democratic process due to corruption. A majority of Canadians (53%) will penalize a party for what they believe is unethical behaviour by voting for another party even if they don t best represent their values rather than a party that has acted unethically. Canadians are more likely to have used the electoral system to punish politicians if they are older, more affluent and more highly educated. 43

Consequences of Low Trust How much do you agree or disagree with the following statements? When I believe a politician or political party has acted unethically, I will vote for another party even if they don't best represent my values. 14% 39% 26% 11% 10% I always vote for the same party. 6% 26% 36% 28% 5% Political corruption in Canada has led me to stop voting. 6% 14% 23% 53% 5% 0% Strongly agree 20% 40% 60% Somewhat agree 80% 100% Somewhat disagree Strongly disagree Don't know 44

Preventing and Policing More than 70% of Canadians believe that the following should be responsible for policing political ethics in Canada: Auditors General; An independent ethics commissioner; Leaders of political parties; and Voters at election time. A majority of Canadians also believe that the police, whistle blowers and the media have a responsibility to help police political ethics. To help prevent ethical breaches, Canadians are supportive of laws that require greater transparency, better protection for whistle blowers and a more engaged electorate. 45

Policing Political Ethics How much responsibility should each of the following actors have when it comes to policing political ethics in Canada? (Scale of 1-9) Auditors General 76% 16% 7% An independent ethics commissioner 74% 17% 3% 7% The leaders of political parties 73% 18% 4% 5% Voters at election time 70% 21% 5% 5% The police 58% 27% 10% 5% Whistleblowers 51% 31% 9% 9% The Media 49% 34% 11% 6% Activist groups 32% 42% 18% 8% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Responsible (7-9) Moderately Responsible (4-6) Not Responsible (1-3) Don't Know 46

Preventing Ethical Breaches To what extent do you support the following ways to reduce breaches of ethics in Canadian politics? (Scale of 1-9) Laws to increase transparency in government. 81% 17% 3% A more engaged electorate 69% 27% 4% Better protection to whistleblowers 68% 27% 5% Activist organizations like Wikileaks and Anonymous 39% 23% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Support (7-9) Moderately Support (4-6) Do not support (1-3) 47

Forgiving Unethical Behaviour Canadians do not feel strongly inclined to forgive unethical behaviours regardless of the action taken. 1 in 4 say they are very likely to forgive if those who are responsible resign. Accepting responsibility and takings steps to prevent a reoccurrence are also very important. Least effective is simply paying back misspent money. 48

Forgiving Unethical Behaviour How likely are you to forgive unethical behaviour if the following occurs? Those who are responsible resign 26% 41% 19% 10% 5% Safeguards are put in place to prevent future occurences 17% 42% 25% 12% 5% Those who are responsible apologize and accept responsibility 14% 44% 25% 13% 4% You are convinced it was a one-time lapse of judgment 12% 42% 28% 13% 6% Any misspent money is paid back 14% 33% 32% 18% 5% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Very Likely Somewhat Likely Not Very Likely Not at all Likely Don't know 49

Ethical Scenarios Respondents were presented with 6 ethical scenarios all of which describe current or past Canadian political scandals. The scenarios describing the Sponsorship Scandal and the Pacific Scandal were just as likely to be considered the most serious. However, in Ontario, the Gas Plant Scandal had a mean score of 2.9 the same score as the Pacific Scandal and the Sponsorship Scandal. Nationally, the descriptor for the Duffy Expense Scandal was seen as the fourth most serious. A strong plurality of Canadians believe that the description of Rob Ford s addictions issues is the least serious offence of the six tested. 50

Ethical Scenarios Rank the following scenarios in order from 1 to 6, with 1 being the most serious breach of political ethics and 6 being the least. Mean Description: Sponsorship Scandal 23% 27% 18% 14% 11% 7% 2.8 Description: Pacific Scandal 22% 25% 23% 14% 10% 6% 2.8 Description: Gas Plant Scandal 23% 16% 17% 14% 16% 15% 3.3 Description: Duffy Expense Claims 17% 15% 16% 21% 21% 10% 3.4 Description: NDP Regional Offices 6% 11% 16% 23% 24% 20% 4.1 Description: Rob Ford Addiction Issues 9% 7% 9% 14% 19% 42% 4.5 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 1 2 3 4 5 6 51

Ethical Scenarios: Explanation Those who ranked the Sponsorship Scandal as the most serious offence did so because of the high cost to taxpayers, corruption and because those involved received personal or political gain. For the Pacific Scandal, respondents were much more likely to say it was the most serious because of the detrimental effect on democracy, was dishonest and corrupt. The high cost to taxpayers was much more of a factor in why respondents chose the Gas Plant Scandal scenario as the most serious. Dishonesty, corruption and crime were also major factors. For those that chose either the description of the NDP regional offices or the Duffy Expense Claims, the justification was largely the same. They saw it as being a high cost to taxpayers and signifying dishonesty, corruption and crime. The few participants that felt the Rob Ford description was the most serious felt that way because of dishonesty, corruption or crime, the seriousness of drug abuse, cost to taxpayers and because the Mayor was not leading by example. 52

Ethical Scenarios: Explanation What is it about this scandal that makes you feel that it is the most serious? (multiple mention) Description: Sponsorship Scandal Cost to taxpayers/misuse of money Dishonestly/corruption/crime Used public funds for personal gain Amount it cost taxpayers Dishonesty/lying Theft/stealing taxpayers' money Undermines democracy Unethical/immoral Coverup/tried to hide truth Illegal Bribes Abuse of power Fraud Description: Pacific Scandal Dishonesty/crime/corruption Voting/elections Bribes Buying votes Undermines democracy Used public funds for personal gain Dishonestly/lying Corruption Unethical/immoral Illegal Fraud Coverup/tried to hide truth 27% 26% 5% 7% 7%11% 3% 4% 5% 5% 3% 29%33% 9% 11% 13% 15% 17% 19% 4% 6%9% 51% 62% 0% 25% 50% 75% 74% 53

Ethical Scenarios: Explanation What is it about this scandal that makes you feel that it is the most serious? (multiple mention) Description: Gas Plant Scandal Cost to taxpayers/misuse of money Dishonesty/corruption/crime Amount it cost taxpayers Misuse/waste of taxpayer money Voting/elections Used public funds for personal/political reasons $1 billion wasted Tried to cover up Takes away from things that would help the public Buying Votes Possibility of being elected again/no accountability Undermines democracy Abuse of power Illegal Unethical Description:Duffy Expense Claims Dishonesty/corruption/crime Dishonesty/lying Cost to taxpayers/misuse of money Theft/stealing taxpayer money Cover up/tried to hide the truth Illegal Fraud Amount it cost Voting/elections Bribes Abuse of power Not reliable Unethical/immoral 6% 13% 14% 16% 17%23% 3% 4% 5% 6% 6% 3% 3% 4% 4% 5% 6% 7%9% 25% 35% 75% 39% 32% 10% 12%18% 79% 0% 25% 50% 75% 100% 54

Ethical Scenarios: Explanation What is it about this scandal that makes you feel that it is the most serious? (multiple mention) Description: NDP Regional Offices Cost to taxpayers Dishonesty/corruption/crime Used public funds for personal/political gains Cost to taxpayers Dishonesty/lying Amount it cost Theft/stealing taxpayer money Coverup 19% 16% 15% 10% 10% 4% 34% 45% Description: Rob Ford Addiction Issues Dishonesty/corruption/crime Substance/drug abuse Cost to taxpayers Not reliable/doesn't lead by example Used public funds for personal gain Dishonesty/lying Voting/elections Illegal Unethical/immoral Cover up Abuse of power 9% 6% 4% 3% 3% 30% 24% 23% 21% 17% 70% 0% 25% 50% 75% 100% 55

Ethical Scenarios For all but the Rob Ford scenario, respondents chose the word dishonest to best describe the people involved. In the case of the Sponsorship Scandal, Pacific Scandal and Duffy Expense Claims, dishonest was followed by greedy and arrogant. However, those involved in the Gas Plant Scandal were more likely to be described as incompetent, arrogant, hypocritical and careless. The Rob Ford scenario was perceived entirely different. He was described as, incompetent, foolish, careless, thoughtless and arrogant. 56

Ethical Scenarios: Character Choose one character trait you think best describes the people involved Description: Pacific Scandal Dishonest Greedy Arrogant Dangerous Evil Description: Sponsorship Scandal Dishonest Greedy Arrogant Hypocritical Evil Description: Gas Plant Scandal Dishonest Incompetent Arrogant Hypocritical Carless Description: Duffy Expense Claims Dishonest Greedy Arrogant Liar Hypocritical Description: NDP Regional Offices Dishonest Greedy Arrogant Hypocritical Carless Description: Rob Ford Addiction Issues Incompetent Foolish Carless Thoughtless Arrogant 13% 6% 4% 4% 16% 11% 5% 4% 4% 4% 11% 6% 7%9% 7% 4% 6%8% 10% 17% 13% 14% 8% 9%10% 27% 43% 43% 51% 51% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 57

Ethical Scenarios For each description for the Sponsorship Scandal, Pacific Scandal and Duffy Expense Claims, a clear majority felt that the most appropriate consequence is criminal charges. For the other three scenarios, a plurality of respondents felt that resignation of the people in charge was the most appropriate. Interestingly, 1 in 4 felt that the most appropriate consequence to the Gas Plant Scandal was defeat at the next election. 58

Ethical Scenarios: Consequences What is the most appropriate consequence for this action? Description: Sponsorship Scandal 60% 28% 9% 3% Description: Pacific Scandal 57% 24% 15% 3% Description: Gas Plant Scandal 26% 37% 25% 9% Description: Duffy Expense Scandal 65% 26% 4% 4% Description: NDP Regional Offices 34% 42% 12% 10% Description: Rob Ford Addiction Issues 21% 44% 17% 15% Criminal Charges Defeat at the Next Election No Consequence is Necessary Resignation of the People in Charge A Full Public Apology 59

Appendix: Ethical Scenarios Description: Sponsorship Scandal Contracts for a government advertising campaign were awarded to firms friendly to the government in return for little or no work. These firms made large profits, and used some of that money to hire political organizers and fundraisers in order to help the government be reelected. This cost taxpayers $100 million. Description: Rob Ford Addiction Issues While holding senior elected office: a politician publicly struggled with alcohol and drug abuse; attended official events extremely intoxicated; and admitted to trying and buying illicit drugs. He goes on leave to a rehab facility while on the public payroll. Description: NDP Regional Offices A political party used taxpayer money they were granted to fund the work of staff in regional offices. They were meant to do public business but there was strong evidence that they were actually doing political work. This cost taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars. Description: Duffy Expense Scandal An appointed politician was found to be filing false expense claims, billing the public for more than $140,000 of inappropriate expenses. Most of his time in office he acted as a political fundraiser. To avoid public scrutiny, the politician accepted money from a senior political staffer to pay back the expenses. Description: Gas Plant Scandal A governing party cancelled two major infrastructure projects in order to help win in two electoral ridings. The cost of the cancellations was not fully made clear to the public and is nearly $1 billion dollars. No one who ordered the cancellation is thought to have financially benefitted. Description: Pacific Scandal A governing party accepted funds from a private company in exchange for a major public infrastructure contract. These funds were essentially used to buy votes and allowed the government to retain power. It is estimated bribes totaled $7.5 million. 60

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